Dear Harold,

When I was a young boy living in Redfern – a concrete jungle, my grandfather who played piano and other musical instruments and listened to Mozart amongst other classical composers, offered me the opportunity to play the piano. He said that he would give me a shilling for every lesson I attended. I lasted two lessons and never returned to the keyboards. At eight years old the streets had more appeal.

If I have any regrets in life, then not continuing with his lessons is the only one.

Several years ago when I was searching for music to accompany film footage of the tranquil waterways of Kashmir, a friend suggested I listen to “Plateaux of Mirror” an album you made with Brian Eno. After meeting with Brian and showing him a cut of the film sequence with the music from that album he agreed to its usage, saying that he had been approached many times about film scores but had never been asked for release of the more “ambient” music that he and other musicians were collaborating on at the time.

Now, as I sit here writing to you it is misty outside the window and a light rain falls. It is very still and peaceful – “Nighthawks, Translucence and Drift Music” by John Foxx and yourself is playing in the background.

I just wanted to drop you a note of thanks for all the years of beauty shared with your music. It has enhanced my life beyond words. It has contributed to the beauty that surrounds me. I particularly love the space between the notes, it takes me somewhere special as if the music opens the door and then the silence enters me, a place I feel at home. When I listen to your music, in a way it’s almost as if I am playing the piano – everything that I wanted to accomplish in music through the piano is there, although at the time I didn’t realise that. Even though I didn’t continue with those lessons many years ago and my grandfather has long since passed I feel a deep connection and resonance with him and you every time I listen to your music.

Thank you so much. I have no regrets now just an expanded heartfelt love for all things beautiful through your inspiring and uplifting music.

I wish you well,
With love and blessings

Albe

Nighthawks, Translucence and Drift Music by John Foxx and Harold Budd is available at amazon.com